Leaf Conductance in Relation to Rate of CO(2) Assimilation: III. Influences of Water Stress and Photoinhibition

Incorporating photosynthetic acclimation improves stomatal optimisation models

Stomatal opening in plant leaves is regulated through a balance of carbon and water exchange under different environmental conditions. Accurate estimation of stomatal regulation is crucial for understanding how plants respond to changing environmental conditions, particularly under climate change. A new generation of optimality-based modelling schemes determines instantaneous stomatal responses from a balance of trade-offs between carbon gains and hydraulic costs, but most such schemes do not account for biochemical acclimation in response to drought. Here, we compare the performance of six instantaneous stomatal optimisation models with and without accounting for photosynthetic acclimation. Using experimental data from 37 plant species, we found that accounting for photosynthetic acclimation improves the prediction of carbon assimilation in a majority of the tested models. Photosynthetic acclimation contributed significantly to the reduction of photosynthesis under drought conditions in all tested models. Drought effects on photosynthesis could not accurately be explained by the hydraulic impairment functions embedded in the stomatal models alone, indicating that photosynthetic acclimation must be considered to improve estimates of carbon assimilation during drought.

The interplay of short-term mesophyll and stomatal conductance responses under variable environmental conditions

Understanding the short-term responses of mesophyll conductance (gm) and stomatal conductance (gsc) to environmental changes remains a challenging yet central aspect of plant physiology. This review synthesises our current knowledge of these short-term responses, which underpin CO2 diffusion within leaves. Recent methodological advances in measuring gm using online isotopic discrimination and chlorophyll fluorescence have improved our confidence in detecting short-term gm responses, but results need to be carefully evaluated. Environmental factors like vapour pressure deficit and CO2 concentration indirectly impact gm through gsc changes, highlighting some of the complex interactions between the two parameters. Evidence suggests that short-term responses of gm are not, or at least not fully, mechanistically linked to changes in gsc, cautioning against using gsc as a reliable proxy for gm. The overarching challenge lies in unravelling the mechanistic basis of short-term gm responses, which will contribute to the development of accurate models bridging laboratory insights with broader ecological implications. Addressing these gaps in understanding is crucial for refining predictions of gm behaviour under changing environmental conditions.

Assessing the CO2 concentration at the surface of photosynthetic mesophyll cells

We present a robust estimation of the CO₂ concentration at the surface of photosynthetic mesophyll cells (c_w ), applicable under reasonable assumptions of assimilation distribution within the leaf. We used Capsicum annuum, Helianthus annuus and Gossypium hirsutumas model plants for our experiments. We introduce calculations to estimate c_w using independent adaxial and abaxial gas exchange measurements, and accounting for the mesophyll airspace resistances. The c_w was lower than adaxial and abaxial estimated intercellular CO₂ concentrations (c_i ). Differences between c_w and the c_i of each surface were usually larger than 10 μmol mol^-1 . Differences between adaxial and abaxial c_i ranged from a few μmol mol^-1 to almost 50 μmol mol^-1 , where the largest differences were found at high air saturation deficits (ASD). Differences between adaxial and abaxial c_i and the c_i estimated by mixing both fluxes ranged from -30 to +20 μmol mol^-1 , where the largest differences were found under high ASD or high ambient CO₂ concentrations. Accounting for c_w improves the information that can be extracted from gas exchange experiments, allowing a more detailed description of the CO₂ and water vapor gradients within the leaf.

The potential of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of foxtail and broomcorn millets for investigating ancient farming systems

Foxtail and broomcorn millets are the most important crops in northern China since the early Neolithic. However, little evidence is available on how people managed these two crops in the past, especially in prehistory. Previous research on major C₃ crops in western Eurasia demonstrated the potential of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of charred archaeobotanical remains to reveal the management of water and manure, respectively. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of a similar approach to C₄ millets. Foxtail and broomcorn millet plants grown in pots in a greenhouse under different manuring and watering regimes were analysed to test the effects of management on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of grains. Stable nitrogen isotope values of both millets increased as manuring level increased, ranging from 1.7 ‰ to 5.8 ‰ in different conditions; hence, it appears a feasible tool to identify manuring practices, in agreement with results from recent field studies. However, the two millets exhibit opposing trends in stable carbon isotope values as watering level increased. The shift in stable carbon isotope values of millets is also smaller than that observed in wheat grown in the same experimental environment, making it difficult to identify millet water status archaeologically. In addition, we charred millet grains at different temperatures and for varying durations to replicate macro-botanical remains recovered archaeologically, and to evaluate the offsets in carbon and nitrogen isotope values induced by charring. We found that the stable nitrogen isotope values of foxtail millet and broomcorn millet can shift up to 1-2 ‰ when charred, while the stable carbon isotope values change less than 0.3 ‰. Overall, we demonstrate that stable nitrogen isotope values of charred foxtail and broomcorn millet seeds could provide insight into past field management practices, and both carbon and nitrogen isotope values can together inform palaeodietary reconstruction.

An improved theory for calculating leaf gas exchange more precisely accounting for small fluxes

The widely used theory for gas exchange proposed by von Caemmerer and Farquhar (vCF) integrates molar fluxes, mole fraction gradients and ternary effects but does not account for cuticular fluxes, for separation of the leaf surface conditions or for ternary effects within the boundary layer. The magnitude of cuticular conductance to water (g_cw) is a key factor for determining plant survival in drought but is difficult to measure and often neglected in routine gas exchange studies. The vCF ternary effect is applied to the total flux without the recognition of different pathways that are affected by it. These simplifications lead to errors in estimations of stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (C_i) and other gas exchange parameters. The theory presented here is a more precise physical approach to the electrical resistance analogy for gas exchange, resulting in a more accurate calculation of gas exchange parameters. Additionally, we extend our theory, using physiological concepts, to create a model that allows us to calculate cuticular conductance to water.

Plant profit maximization improves predictions of European forest responses to drought

Knowledge of how water stress impacts the carbon and water cycles is a key uncertainty in terrestrial biosphere models. We tested a new profit maximization model, where photosynthetic uptake of CO₂ is optimally traded against plant hydraulic function, as an alternative to the empirical functions commonly used in models to regulate gas exchange during periods of water stress. We conducted a multi-site evaluation of this model at the ecosystem scale, before and during major droughts in Europe. Additionally, we asked whether the maximum hydraulic conductance in the soil-plant continuum k_max (a key model parameter which is not commonly measured) could be predicted from long-term site climate. Compared with a control model with an empirical soil moisture function, the profit maximization model improved the simulation of evapotranspiration during the growing season, reducing the normalized mean square error by c. 63%, across mesic and xeric sites. We also showed that k_max could be estimated from long-term climate, with improvements in the simulation of evapotranspiration at eight out of the 10 forest sites during drought. Although the generalization of this approach is contingent upon determining k_max , it presents a mechanistic trait-based alternative to regulate canopy gas exchange in global models.

Photorespiration in the context of Rubisco biochemistry, CO2 diffusion and metabolism

Photorespiratory metabolism is essential for plants to maintain functional photosynthesis in an oxygen-containing environment. Because the oxygenation reaction of Rubisco is followed by the loss of previously fixed carbon, photorespiration is often considered a wasteful process and considerable efforts are aimed at minimizing the negative impact of photorespiration on the plant's carbon uptake. However, the photorespiratory pathway has also many positive aspects, as it is well integrated within other metabolic processes, such as nitrogen assimilation and C₁ metabolism, and it is important for maintaining the redox balance of the plant. The overall effect of photorespiratory carbon loss on the net CO₂ fixation of the plant is also strongly influenced by the physiology of the leaf related to CO₂ diffusion. This review outlines the distinction between Rubisco oxygenation and photorespiratory CO₂ release as a basis to evaluate the costs and benefits of photorespiration.

Synthesis and evaluation of a superabsorbent-fertilizer composite for maximizing the nutrient and water use efficiency in forestry plantations

Reducing fertilizer use is a priority in the quest for sustainable forestry systems. In short rotation Eucalyptus plantations, NPK pellets are routinely added to the seedling's top soil layer at planting, potentially leading to increased seedling mortality, nutrient loss and environmental degradation. To address this triple challenge, the development of efficient fertilization practices is essential. In the present work, we synthesized a crosslinked acrylic-cellulosic superabsorbent composite (SAPH-BAL) containing small amounts of specific nutrients integrated in the polymer matrix. We analyzed the composite's chemical and rheological properties, and assessed the viability of Eucalyptus plantations supplied with it at planting. Physiological measurements confirmed the suitability of SAPH-BAL in greenhouse-grown potted seedlings subjected to different growth conditions, showing that it efficiently delivers nutrients while protecting seedlings from drought stress. Field experiments carried out at ten South American locations covering an ample range of environmental conditions confirmed the beneficial effect of SAPH-BAL on growth and survival in comparison to the conventional fertilization scheme (superabsorbent + 75 g NPK). Furthermore, it was found that plants treated with SAPH-BAL were less affected by the differences in rainfall regimes during the experiments compared to those fertilized conventionally. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report describing the successful use of superabsorbents for root targeted delivery of fertilizers in forestry operations.

Stomatal function, density and pattern, and CO2 assimilation in Arabidopsis thaliana tmm1 and sdd1-1 mutants

Stomata modulate the exchange of water and CO₂ between plant and atmosphere. Although stomatal density is known to affect CO₂ diffusion into the leaf and thus photosynthetic rate, the effect of stomatal density and patterning on CO₂ assimilation is not fully understood. We used wild types Col-0 and C24 and stomatal mutants sdd1-1 and tmm1 of Arabidopsis thaliana, differing in stomatal density and pattern, to study the effects of these variations on both stomatal and mesophyll conductance and CO₂ assimilation rate. Anatomical parameters of stomata, leaf temperature and carbon isotope discrimination were also assessed. Our results indicate that increased stomatal density enhanced stomatal conductance in sdd1-1 plants, with no effect on photosynthesis, due to both unchanged photosynthetic capacity and decreased mesophyll conductance. Clustering (abnormal patterning formed by clusters of two or more stomata) and a highly unequal distribution of stomata between the adaxial and abaxial leaf sides in tmm1 mutants also had no effect on photosynthesis. Except at very high stomatal densities, stomatal conductance and water loss were proportional to stomatal density. Stomatal formation in clusters reduced stomatal dynamics and their operational range as well as the efficiency of CO₂ transport.

Metabolomics analysis of postphotosynthetic effects of gaseous O2 on primary metabolism in illuminated leaves

The response of underground plant tissues to O2 limitation is currently an important topic in crop plants since adverse environmental conditions (e.g. waterlogging) may cause root hypoxia and thus compromise plant growth. However, little is known on the effect of low O2 conditions in leaves, probably because O2 limitation is improbable in these tissues under natural conditions, unless under complete submersion. Nevertheless, an O2-depleted atmosphere is commonly used in gas exchange experiments to suppress photorespiration and estimate gross photosynthesis. However, the nonphotosynthetic effects of gaseous O2 depletion, particularly on respiratory metabolism, are not well documented. Here, we used metabolomics obtained under contrasting O2 and CO2 conditions to examine the specific effect of a changing O2 mole fraction from ambient (21%) to 0%, 2% or 100%. In addition to the typical decrease in photorespiratory intermediates (glycolate, glycine and serine) and a build-up in photosynthates (sucrose), low O2 (0% or 2%) was found to trigger an accumulation of alanine and change succinate metabolism. In 100% O2, the synthesis of threonine and methionine from aspartate appeared to be stimulated. These responses were observed in two species, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Our results show that O2 causes a change in the oxygenation : carboxylation ratio and also alters postphotosynthetic metabolism: (i) a hypoxic response at low O2 mole fractions and (ii) a stimulation of S metabolism at high O2 mole fractions. The latter effect is an important piece of information to better understand how photorespiration may control S assimilation.

Is the signal from the mesophyll to the guard cells a vapour-phase ion?

Previous studies have suggested that the red light and CO2 responses of stomata are caused by a signal from the mesophyll to the guard cells. Experiments were conducted to test the idea that this signal is a vapour-phase ion. Stomata in isolated epidermes of Tradescantia pallida were found to respond to air ions created by an electrode that was positioned under the epidermes. Anthocyanins in the epidermes of this species were observed to change colour in response to these air ions, and this change in colour was attributed to changes in pH. A similar change in lower epidermal colour was observed in intact leaves upon illumination and with changes in CO2 concentration. Based on the change in epidermal colour, the pH of the epidermis was estimated to be approximately 7.0 in darkness and 6.5 in the light. Stomata in isolated epidermes responded to pH when suspended over (but not in contact with) solutions of different pH. We speculate that stomatal responses to CO2 and light are caused by vapour-phase ions, possibly hydronium ions that change the pH of the epidermis.

Opinion: the red-light response of stomatal movement is sensed by the redox state of the photosynthetic electron transport chain

Guard cells regulate CO2 uptake and water loss of a leaf by controlling stomatal movement in response to environmental factors such as CO2, humidity, and light. The mechanisms by which stomata respond to red light are actively debated in the literature, and even after decades of research it is still controversial whether stomatal movement is related to photosynthesis or not. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the red-light response of stomata. A comparison of published evidence suggests that stomatal movement is controlled by the redox state of photosynthetic electron transport chain components, in particular the redox state of plastoquinone. Potential consequences for the modeling of stomatal conductance are discussed.

Understanding the Terrestrial Carbon Cycle: An Ecohydrological Perspective

The terrestrial carbon (C) cycle has a great role in influencing the climate with complex interactions that are spatially and temporally variable and scale-related. Hence, it is essential that we fully understand the scale-specific complexities of the terrestrial C-cycle towards (1) strategic design of monitoring and experimental initiatives and (2) also developing conceptualizations for modeling purposes. These complexities arise due to the nonlinear interactions of various components that govern the fluxes of mass and energy across the soil-plant-atmospheric continuum. Considering the critical role played by hydrological processes in governing the biogeochemical and plant physiological processes, a coupled representation of these three components (collectively referred to as ecohydrological approach) is critical to explain the complexity in the terrestrial C-cycling processes. In this regard, we synthesize the research works conducted in this broad area and bring them to a common platform with an ecohydrological spirit. This could aid in the development of novel concepts of nonlinear ecohydrological interactions and thereby help reduce the current uncertainties in the terrestrial C-cycling process. The usefulness of spatially explicit and process-based ecohydrological models that have tight coupling between hydrological, ecophysiological, and biogeochemical processes is also discussed.

Stomatal responses to flooding of the intercellular air spaces suggest a vapor-phase signal between the mesophyll and the guard cells

Flooding the intercellular air spaces of leaves with water was shown to cause rapid closure of stomata in Tradescantia pallida, Lactuca serriola, Helianthus annuus, and Oenothera caespitosa. The response occurred when water was injected into the intercellular spaces, vacuum infiltrated into the intercellular spaces, or forced into the intercellular spaces by pressurizing the xylem. Injecting 50 mm KCl or silicone oil into the intercellular spaces also caused stomata to close, but the response was slower than with distilled water. Epidermis-mesophyll grafts for T. pallida were created by placing the epidermis of one leaf onto the exposed mesophyll of another leaf. Stomata in these grafts opened under light but closed rapidly when water was allowed to wick between epidermis and the mesophyll. When epidermis-mesophyll grafts were constructed with a thin hydrophobic filter between the mesophyll and epidermis stomata responded normally to light and CO(2). These data, when taken together, suggest that the effect of water on stomata is caused partly by dilution of K(+) in the guard cell and partly by the existence of a vapor-phase signal that originates in the mesophyll and causes stomata to open in the light.

Variability of water relations and photosynthesis in Eucryphia cordifolia Cav. (Cunoniaceae) over the range of its latitudinal and altitudinal distribution in Chile

The aim of this study was to investigate, during the summer of the year 2008, the variation in leaf water and photosynthetic characteristics of Eucryphia cordifolia Cav. (Cunoniaceae) along its broad latitudinal distribution in central south Chile (36 degrees to 42 degrees S). The latitudinal variation in water potential (Psi(w)), water potential at saturation (Psipi(sat)), water potential at the turgor lost point (Psipi(tlp)), stomatal density of the leaves, leaf nitrogen concentrations and photosynthetic light response were studied in eight populations. The populations located in the northern region of the distribution of E. cordifolia had the lowest leaf water potential. Osmotic potential at full turgor was highest in the two southernmost populations and gradually decreased towards the northernmost points. Similarly, osmotic potential at zero turgor was the lowest in the northern population. On the contrary, the symplastic water content was lower in the two southernmost populations. The highest net photosynthesis rate was recorded for plants in the populations of intermediate distributions, and it was dependent on the precipitation and temperature gradient. The northern populations, which are subject to the lowest precipitations, showed the lowest stomatal densities, which were tightly linked with stomatal conductance variation. Therefore, the variability of A(max) was independent of stomatal density and conductance, so that the northern populations, subject to environments with less water availability, presented higher photosynthetic water use efficiency. Photosynthesis variations were also not associated with changes in leaf water potential or in nitrogen content in E. cordifolia leaves, which did not show any consistent latitudinal or altitudinal trend. In conclusion, the results support our hypothesis that the leaf water relations, stomatal characteristics and photosynthetic rates of the leaf would vary along its latitudinal gradient, helping to explain the ability of E. cordifolia trees to inhabit a broad latitudinal and altitudinal range throughout the central south Chile.

Opinion: stomatal responses to light and CO(2) depend on the mesophyll

The mechanisms by which stomata respond to red light and CO(2) are unknown, but much of the current literature assumes that these mechanisms reside wholly within the guard cells. However, responses of guard cells in isolated epidermes are typically much smaller than those in leaves, and there are several lines of evidence in the literature suggesting that the mesophyll is necessary for these responses in leaves. This paper advances the opinion that although guard cells may have small direct responses to red light and CO(2), most of the stomatal response to these factors in leaves is caused by an unknown signal that originates in the mesophyll.

Photosynthesis-stomatal conductance model LEAFC3-N: specification for barley, generalised nitrogen relations, and aspects of model application

We discuss a generalised formulation of the nitrogen-sensitive photosynthesis-stomatal conductance model LEAFC3-N to be used as a submodel of functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) or traditional crop growth models for C₃-crops. Based on a parameterisation study for barley, we demonstrate that the large variation of characteristics related to potential leaf photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, along with different factors, can be accounted for by introducing functions that relate parameter values to nitrogen contents. These relationships follow the same pattern for different C₃ crops, and their parameters are in close range. The accuracy of the parameters and the minimum simulation time step required for reliable predictions of the integrated diurnal carbon gain (IDC) is assessed. For IDC predictions with an accuracy of about ±5%, the accuracy of the slope of the relationship between maximum carboxylation rate and leaf nitrogen content should be of similar order. For other key model parameters, an error of ±20% or even greater may be tolerated. A time step of 1-2 h will be sufficient to predict IDC with an accuracy of about ±5%.

Distinct light responses of the adaxial and abaxial stomata in intact leaves of Helianthus annuus L

Using a laboratory-constructed system that can measure the gas exchange rates of two leaf surfaces separately, the light responses of the adaxial and abaxial stomata in intact leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were investigated, keeping the intercellular CO(2) concentration (C(i)) at 300 microL L(-1). When evenly illuminating both sides of the leaf, the stomatal conductance (g(s)) of the abaxial surface was higher than that of the adaxial surface at any light intensity. When each surface of the leaf was illuminated separately, both the adaxial and abaxial stomata were more sensitive to the light transmitted through the leaf (self-transmitted light) than to direct illumination. Relationships between the whole leaf photosynthetic rate (A(n)) and the g(s) for each side highlighted a strong dependence of stomatal opening on mesophyll photosynthesis. Light transmitted through another leaf was more effective than the direct white light for the abaxial stomata, but not for the adaxial stomata. Moreover, green monochromatic light induced an opening of the abaxial stomata, but not of the adaxial stomata. As the proportion of blue light in the transmitted light is less than that in the white light, there may be some uncharacterized light responses, which are responsible for the opening of the abaxial stomata by the transmitted, green light.

The role of stomatal acclimation in modelling tree adaptation to high CO2

Carbon dioxide enrichment changes the balance of photosynthetic limitations due to water, nitrogen, and light. This paper examines the role of stomata in these changes by comparing enrichment responses predicted by an optimality-based tree growth model, DESPOT, using three alternative 'setpoints' for stomatal acclimation: leaf water potential (psi(l)-setpoint), the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO(2) mole fraction (c(i)/c(a)-setpoint), and the parameters in a simple model in which stomata are controlled by H(2)O and CO(2) supply and demand (linked feedback). In each scenario, stomatal conductance (g(s)) and photosynthetic capacity (V(m)) declined, productivity and leaf area index (LAI) increased, and c(i)/c(a) remained within 5% of its pre-enrichment value. Height growth preceded the LAI response in the psi(l)-setpoint and linked feedback scenarios, but not in the c(i)/c(a)-setpoint scenario. These trends were explained in terms of photosynthetic resource substitution using the equimarginal principle of production theory, which controls carbon allocation in DESPOT: enrichment initially increased the marginal product for light, driving substitution towards light; height growth also drove substitution towards N in the psi(l) and feedback scenarios, but the inflexibility of c(i)/c(a) prevented that substitution in the c(i)/c(a) scenario, explaining the lack of height response. Each scenario, however, predicted similar behaviour for c(i)/c(a) and carbon and water flux. These results suggest that 'setpoints' may be robust tools for linking and constraining carbon and water fluxes, but that they should be used more cautiously in predicting or interpreting how those fluxes arise from changes in tree structure and physiology.

Strobilurin fungicides induce changes in photosynthetic gas exchange that do not improve water use efficiency of plants grown under conditions of water stress

The effects of five strobilurin (beta-methoxyacrylate) fungicides and one triazole fungicide on the physiological parameters of well-watered or water-stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and soya (Glycine max Merr.) plants were compared. Water use efficiency (WUE) (the ratio of rate of transpiration, E, to net rate of photosynthesis, A(n)) of well-watered wheat plants was improved slightly by strobilurin fungicides, but was reduced in water-stressed plants, so there is limited scope for using strobilurins to improve the water status of crops grown under conditions of drought. The different strobilurin fungicides had similar effects on plant physiology but differed in persistence and potency. When applied to whole plants using a spray gun, they reduced the conductance of water through the epidermis (stomatal and cuticular transpiration), g(sw), of leaves. Concomitantly, leaves of treated plants had a lower rate of transpiration, E, a lower intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, c(i), and a lower net rate of photosynthesis, A(n), compared with leaves of control plants or plants treated with the triazole. The mechanism for the photosynthetic effects is not known, but it is hypothesised that they are caused either by strobilurin fungicides acting directly on ATP production in guard cell mitochondria or by stomata responding to strobilurin-induced changes in mesophyll photosynthesis. The latter may be important since, for leaves of soya plants, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter F(v)/F(m) (an indication of the potential quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry) was reduced by strobilurin fungicides. It is likely that the response of stomata to strobilurin fungicides is complex, and further research is required to elucidate the different biochemical pathways involved.

Extreme events as shaping physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants: toward a unified definition and evaluation of their consequences

Here we consider how extreme events, particularly climatic and biotic, affect the physiology, development, ecology and evolution of organisms, focusing on plants. The marked effects on organisms are of increasing interest for ecological prediction, given the natural and anthropogenic changes in spectra of extreme events being induced by global change. Yet there is currently a paucity of knowledge or even a common world-view of how extreme events shape individuals, communities and ecosystems. We propose that extreme events need be defined in terms of organismal responses of acclimation and of de-acclimation or hysteresis. From this definition we proceed to develop a number of hypotheses, including that fitness effects of extreme events occur primarily during recovery. We review evidence that, on the evolutionary time scale, selection is virtually absent except during extreme events; these drive strong directional selection, even to trait fixation and speciation. We describe a number of new tools, both conceptual and technological, that are now at hand or that merit rapid development. Contents I. Introduction 22 II. Moving to an organismally based definition of extreme events 22 III. Features to discern in extreme events 26 IV. Additional challenges in the study of extreme events 27 V. Evolutionary dimensions 29 VI. The mandate for new conceptual tools for ecological and evolutionary prediction 34 VII. Tools in hand, and tools needed, to study extreme events 35 VIII. Conclusions 37 Acknowledgements 37 References 38.

Dynamics of Changing Intercellular CO2 Concentration (ci) during Drought and Determination of Minimum Functional ci

Nine conifer species with narrow (<5 mm), single-veined leaves were selected for the purpose of examining changes in intercellular CO2 concentration (ci) during drought. Due to the leaf morphology of the study plants, the confounding effects of nonhomogenous photosynthesis common to most reticulate-veined angiosperms were largely avoided, giving a clear picture of ci dynamics under increasing drought. A characteristic biphasic response was observed in all species, with an initial stomatal control phase resulting in a substantial reduction in ci as stomatal conductance (gs) decreased. As gs reached low levels, a strong nonstomatal limitation phase was observed, causing ci to increase as gs approached a minimum. This nonstomatal phase was linked to a concomitant rapid decrease in the fluorescence parameter quantum efficiency, indicating the onset of nonreversible photoinhibition. The ratio of internal to atmospheric CO2 concentration (ci/ca) decreased from values of between 0.68 and 0.57 in undroughted plants to a minimum, (ci/ca)min, which was well defined in each species, ranging from 0.10 in Actinostrobus acuminatus to 0.36 in Acmopyle pancheri. A high correlation was found to exist between (ci/ca)min and leaf water potential measured at (ci/ca)min. Species developing high maximum intrinsic water use efficiencies (low [ci/ca]min), such as A. acuminatus, did so at lower leaf water potentials (-4.5 MPa) than more mesic species (-1.75 MPa for A. pancheri). It is concluded that in the absence of patchy stomatal closure, (ci/ca)min gives a good representation of the drought tolerance of foliage.

The analysis of photosynthetic performance in leaves under field conditions: A case study using Bruguiera mangroves

In this report, we analyze the photosynthetic capacity and performance of leaves under field conditions with a case study based on the mangroves Bruguiera parviflora and B. gymnorrhiza. Using a tower through a closed canopy at a field sight in North Queensland and portable infra-red gas analyzers, a large data set was collected over a period of 11 days early in the growing season. The set was used to analyze the relationship between net photosynthesis (Pnet) and light, leaf temperature, stomatal conductance and intracellular CO2 (Ci).There are three objectives of this report: (1) to determine photosynthetic potential as indicated by the in situ responses of Pnet to light and stomatal conductance, (2) to determine the extent to which photosynthetic performance may be reduced from that potential, and (3) to explore the basis for and physiological significance of the reduction.The results indicate that even under harsh tropical conditions, the mangrove photosynthetic machinery is capable of operating efficiently at low light and with maximal rates of more than 15 μmol CO2 m(-2) s(-1). Though stomata were more often limiting than light, in any single measurement the average reduction of Pnet from the maximum value predicted by light or conductance responses was 35%. Analysis of single leaf light and CO2 responses indicated that photosynthetic performance was under direct photosynthetic, or non-stomatal, control at all light and conductance levels. Capacity was adjustable rapidly from a maximum value to essentially nil such that Ci varied inversely with Pnet from ca. 150 μL L(-1) at the highest rates of CO2 exchange to ambient at the lowest.

Differing substomatal and chloroplastic CO2 concentrations in water-stressed wheat

Gas exchanges of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Courtot) shoots were measured before and during a water stress. While photosynthesis, transpiration and dark respiration decreased because of the stress, photorespiration increased initially, up to a maximum of 50% above its initial value. The CO2 concentration in the intercellular space was calculated from gas-diffusion resistances, and remained approximately constant before and during the stress. On the other hand, the CO2 concentration in the chloroplast, in the vicinity of Ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), was evaluated from the ratio of CO2 to O2 uptake, using the known kinetic constants of the oxygenation and carboxylation reactions which compete for Rubisco. In the well-watered plants, the calculated chloroplastic concentration was slightly smaller than the substomatal concentration. During water stress, this concentration decreased while the substomatal CO2 concentration remained constant. Hypotheses to explain this difference between substomatal and chloroplastic CO2 concentrations are discussed.

Effect of increased salinity on CO2 assimilation, O 2 evolution and the δ (13)C values of leaves of Plantago maritima L. developed at low and high NaCl levels

The effect of increased salinity on photosynthesis was studied in leaves of Plantago maritima L. that developed while plants were at low and high NaCl levels. In leaves that developed while plants were grown at 50 mol·m(-3), exposure to 200 and 350 mol·m(-3) NaCl resulted in reductions in net CO2 assimilation and stomatal conductance. The decline in CO2 assimilation in plants at 200 and 350 mol·m(-3) NaCl occurred almost exclusively at high intercellular CO2 concentrations. The initial slope of the CO2 assimilation-intercellular CO2 (A-C i) curve, determined after salinity was increased, was identical or very similar to that measured initially. In contrast to the reductions observed in CO2 assimilation, there were no significant differences in O2 evolution rates measured at 5% CO2 among leaves from plants exposed to higher salinity and plants remaining at low salinity.Leaves that developed while plants were at increased salinity levels also had significantly lower net CO2 assimilation rates than plants remaining at 50 mol·m(-3) NaCl. The lower CO2 assimilation rates in plants grown at 200 and 350 mol·m(-3) NaCl were a result of reduced stomatal conductance and low intercellular CO2 concentration. There were no significant differences among treatments for O2 evolution rates measured at high CO2 levels. The increased stomatal limitation of photosynthesis was confirmed by measurements of the (13)C/(12)C composition of leaf tissue. Water-use efficiency was increased in the plants grown at high salinity.

Gas-exchange of ears of cereals in response to carbon dioxide and light : II. Occurrence of a C3-C 4 intermediate type of photosynthesis

Data for the maximum carboxylation velocity of ribulose-1,5-biosphosphate carboxylase, Vm, and the maximum rate of whole-chain electron transport, Jm, were calculated according to a photosynthesis model from the CO2 response and the light response of CO2 uptake measured on ears of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Arkas), oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Lorenz), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Aramir). The ratio Jm/Vm is lower in glumes of oat and awns of barley than it is in the bracts of wheat and in the lemmas and paleae of oat and barley. Light-microscopy studies revealed, in glumes and lemmas of wheat and in the lemmas of oat and barley, a second type of photosynthesizing cell which, in analogy to the Kranz anatomy of C4 plants, can be designated as a bundle-sheath cell. In wheat ears, the CO2-compensation point (in the absence of dissimilative respiration) is between those that are typical for C3 and C4 plants.A model of the CO2 uptake in C3-C4 intermediate plants proposed by Peisker (1986, Plant Cell Environ. 9, 627-635) is applied to recalculate the initial slopes of the A(p(c)) curves (net photosynthesis rate versus intercellular partial pressure of CO2) under the assumptions that the Jm/Vm ratio for all organs investigated equals the value found in glumes of oat and awns of barley, and that ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase is redistributed from mesophyll to bundle-sheath cells. The results closely match the measured values. As a consequence, all bracts of wheat ears and the inner bracts of oat and barley ears are likely to represent a C3-C4 intermediate type, while glumes of oat and awns of barley represent the C3 type.

Stomatal closure fully accounts for the inhibition of photosynthesis by abscisic acid

The partial pressure of intercellular CO₂ calculated from gas exchange data for abscisic acid-treated leaves of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) does not indicate the average intercellular CO₂ of the leaf. The latter can be determined from chlorophyll fluorescence quenching information and accurately modelled from gas exchange data. Stomatal closure can fully account for previously assumed non-stomatal inhibition of photosynthesis. Autoradiograms show that abscisic acid induces non-uniform gas exchange over small areas of the leaf.

Carbon Dioxide and Light Responses of Photosynthesis in Cowpea and Pigeonpea during Water Deficit and Recovery

Greenhouse-grown pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan, [L.] Millsp.; cultivar UW-10) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata, [L.] Walp.; cultivar California No. 5) were well-watered (control) or subjected to low water potential by withholding water to compare their modes of adaptation to water-limited conditions. Leaf CO(2) exchange rate (CER), leaf diffusive conductance to CO(2) (g(l)), and CO(2) concentration in the leaf intercellular air space (C(i)) were determined at various CO(2) concentrations and photon flux densities (PFD) of photosynthetically active radiation (400 to 700 nanometer). In cowpea, g(l) declined to less than 15% of controls and total water potential (psi(w)) at midafternoon declined to -0.8 megapascal after 5 days of withholding water, whereas g(l) in pigeonpea was about 40% of controls even though midafternoon psi(w) was -1.9 megapascal. After 8 days of withholding water, psi(w) at midafternoon declined to -0.9 and -2.4 megapascals in cowpea and pigeonpea, respectively. The solute component of water potential (psi(s)) decreased substantially less in cowpea than pigeonpea. Photosynthetic CER at saturation photon flux density (PFD) and ambient external CO(2) concentration (360 microliters per liter) on day 5 of withholding decreased by 83 and 55% in cowpea and pigeonpea, respectively. When measured at external, CO(2) concentration in bulk air of 360 microliters per liter, the CER of cowpea had fully recovered to control levels 3 days after rewatering; however, at 970 microliters per liter the PFD-saturated CERs of both species were substantially lower than in controls, indicating residual impairment. In stressed plants of both species the CER responses to C(i) from 250 to 600 microliters per liter indicated that a substantial nonstomatal inhibition of CER had occurred. Although the sensitivity of g(l) to water limitation in cowpea suggested a dehydration avoidance response, parallel measurements of CER at various C(i) and PFD indicated that photosynthetic activity of cowpea mesophyll was substantially inhibited by the water-limited treatment.

Photosynthesis Decrease and Stomatal Control of Gas Exchange in Abies alba Mill. in Response to Vapor Pressure Difference

The responses of steady state CO(2) assimilation rate (A), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (g(s)) to changes in leaf-to-air vapor pressure difference (DeltaW) were examined on different dates in shoots from Abies alba trees growing outside. In Ecouves, a provenance representative of wet oceanic conditions in Northern France, both A and g(s) decreased when DeltaW was increased from 4.6 to 14.5 Pa KPa(-1). In Nebias, which represented the dry end of the natural range of A. alba in southern France, A and g(s) decreased only after reaching peak levels at 9.0 and 7.0 Pa KPa(-1), respectively. The representation of the data in assimilation rate (A) versus intercellular CO(2) partial pressure (C(i)) graphs allowed us to determine how stomata and mesophyll photosynthesis interacted when DeltaW was increased. Changes in A were primarily due to alterations in mesophyll photosynthesis. At high DeltaW, and especially in Ecouves when soil water deficit prevailed, A declined, while C(i) remained approximately constant, which may be interpreted as an adjustment of g(s) to changes in mesophyll photosynthesis. Such a stomatal control of gas exchange appeared as an alternative to the classical feedforward interpretation of E versus DeltaW responses with a peak rate of E. The gas exchange response to DeltaW was also characterized by considerable deviations from the optimization theory of IR Cowan and GD Farquhar (1977 Symp Soc Exp Biol 31: 471-505).

Photosynthetic responses of leaves to water stress, expressed by photoacoustics and related methods : I. Probing the photoacoustic method as an indicator for water stress in vivo

The effect of leaf desiccation on the photosynthetic activities in vivo was probed by the photoacoustic method. The aim of this research was: (a) To study the photoacoustic signal per se in varied conditions in order to develop this tool as a probe for stress conditions in vivo. (b) To obtain results pertaining to electron transport activities in vivo, and confirm conclusions based on work with isolated chloroplasts, which could otherwise be the result of nonspecific damage occurring during their isolation. Leaf discs from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) were routinely used, with other species tested also for comparison. Rapid leaf desiccation caused changes in the low frequency photoacoustic signal, attributed both to the mechanism of signal transduction, influenced by changes in the structural parameters of the leaf, and to the direct (nonstomatal) inhibition of gross photosynthesis. The dependence of the photothermal part of the signal on the frequency indicated the presence of two photothermal components, one of which persisted only at low modulation frequencies (below about 100 Hz) and which largely increased with the desiccation treatment. This component was ascribed to a thermal wave which reaches the leaf surface. The other nonvariable photothermal component was ascribed to a thermal wave propagating from the chloroplasts to the surface of the mesophyll cell. Only this component is considered in the ratio of the O(2) signal to the photothermal signal, which is used to estimate the quantum yield of photosynthesis. The specific dependence of the latter ratio on the frequency yielded a comparative quantum yield parameter from its extrapolation to zero frequency, and also indicated stress induced changes in the diffusion of O(2) through the mesophyll cell, reflected by changes in its characteristic slope. The (zero frequency extrapolated) quantum yield was markedly reduced with the progression of the water stress, indicating the inhibition of (gross) phototosynthetic electron transport in vivo. This result was expressed even more emphatically by the stronger inhibition of the photochemical energy storage, obtained by photoacoustic measurements at a high modulation frequency.

Nitrogen supply as a factor influencing photoinhibition and photosynthetic acclimation after transfer of shade-grown Solanum dulcamara to bright light

We have compared the ability of shadegrown clones of Solamum dulcamara L. from shade and sun habitats to acclimate to bright light, as a function of nitrogen nutrition before and after transfer to bright light. Leaves of S. dulcamara grown in the shade with 0.6 mM NO 3 (-) have similar photosynthetic properties as leaves of plants grown with 12.0 mM NO 3 (-) . When transferred to bright light for 1-2 d the leaves of these plants show substantial photoinhibition which is characterized by about 50% decrease in apparent quantum yield and a reduction in the rate of photosynthesis in air at light saturation. Photoinhibition of leaf photosynthesis is associated with reduction in the variable component of low-temperature fluorescence emission, and with loss of in-vitro electron transport, especially of photosystem II-dependent processes.We find no evidence for ecotypic differentiation in the potential for photosynthetic acclimation among shade and sun clones of S. dulcamara, or of differentiation with respect to nitrogen requirements for acclimation. Recovery from photoinhibition and subsequent acclimation of photosynthesis to bright light only occurs in leaves of plants provided with 12.0 mM NO 3 (-) . In these, apparent quantum yield is fully restored after 14 d, and photosynthetic acclimation is shown by an increase in light-saturated photosynthesis in air, of light-and CO2-saturated photosynthesis, and of the initial slope of the CO2-response curve. The latter changes are highly correlated with changes in ribulose-bisphosphate-carboxylase activity in vitro. Plants supplied with 0.6 mM NO 3 (-) show incomplete recovery of apparent quantum yield after 14 d, but CO2-dependent leaf photosynthetic parameters return to control levels.

Leaf Conductance in Relation to Rate of CO(2) Assimilation: I. Influence of Nitrogen Nutrition, Phosphorus Nutrition, Photon Flux Density, and Ambient Partial Pressure of CO(2) during Ontogeny

Plants of Zea mays were grown with different concentrations of nitrate (0.6, 4, 12, and 24 millimolar) and phosphate (0.04, 0.13, 0.53, and 1.33 millimolar) supplied to the roots, photon flux densities (0.12, 0.5, and 2 millimoles per square meter per second), and ambient partial pressures of CO(2) (305 and 610 microbars). Differences in mineral nutrition and irradiance led to a large variation in rate of CO(2) assimilation per unit leaf area (A, 11 to 58 micromoles per square meter per second) when measured under standard conditions. The variation was shown, with the plants that had received different amounts of nitrate, to be related to variations in the nitrogen and chlorophyll contents, and phosphoenolpyruvate and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activities per unit leaf area. Irrespective of growth treatment, A and leaf conductance to CO(2) transfer (g), measured under standard conditions were in almost constant proportion, implying that intercellular partial pressure of CO(2) (p(i)), was almost constant at 95 microbars. The same proportionality was maintained as A and g increased in an initially nitrogen-deficient plant that had been supplied with abundant nitrate. It was shown that p(i) measured at a given ambient partial pressure was not affected by the ambient partial pressure at which the plants had been grown, although it was different when measured at different ambient partial pressures. This suggests that the close coupling between A and g in these experiments is not associated with sensitivity of stomata to change in p(i).Similar, though less comprehensive, experiments were done with Gossypium hirsutum, and yielded similar conclusions, except that the proportionality between A and g at normal ambient partial pressure of CO(2) implied P(i) approximately 200 microbars.